HEPPP Evaluation and Data Officer

University of Newcastle

Vice Chancellor's Division
HEPPP Evaluation and Data Officer
Strategy, Planning and Performance
Position No. 2417

General Information

At the University of Newcastle, we aim to provide high quality teaching, learning and research services to our students, staff, community and other stakeholders. We strive to improve the quality of our activities through ongoing monitoring and regular evaluation of our performance. We have a policy library that describes the principles by which we govern the activities within the institution. We also have guidelines to facilitate the implementation of those policies and we encourage communication at all levels to improve our delivery of services.

Under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor and the Director of Strategy, Planning and Performance, the Strategy, Planning and Performance team coordinates strategic and operational planning and quality assurance and provides reports on the University's performance to support effective decision making and continuous improvement. The HEPPP Evaluation and Data Officer will provide data analysis, statistical modelling, report writing and advice to support strategic planning, benchmarking, quality assurance and evaluation of Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) activities related to teaching and learning, the student experience, and enhancing student participation, retention and success.

The position is available on a full-time, fixed term basis to December 2014, with a possible extension upon mutual agreement.

Position Description

HEW LEVEL: HEW 7
SUPERVISOR: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
STRATEGY, PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE

Role Description

Supervision/Management/Leadership

Reporting to the Associate Director Strategy, Planning and Performance the HEPPP Evaluation & Data Officer will be responsible for the implementation of the HEPPP Evaluation Framework to assess the impact of HEPPP projects at the University of Newcastle.

Provide data analysis, statistical modelling, report writing, conceptual and technical advice to inform strategic planning, benchmarking and quality assurance of activities related to teaching and learning, the student experience, and enhancing student participation, retention and success.

Work under broad general direction; while at the same time demonstrate considerable levels of autonomy and initiative.

Task Level and Typical Activities

Coordinate the design, development, and implementation of benchmarking, descriptive, inferential and collaborative evaluation studies of HEPPP projects undertaken at the University since 2010.

Contribute to designing and be responsible for implementing high level statistical analysis projects to address research questions related to student participation, retention and success for a range of equity groups.

Develop analytical models and create visualisations to aid in understanding complex datasets and to inform evidence based decisions.

Exercise initiative to support the University's planning, policy development, projects and quality enhancement strategies through the provision of timely, innovative and informative statistical reports including commentary and recommendations tailored to audience.

Build, maintain and engage in collaborative relationships with staff in Faculties and Divisions, external organisations, other planning and reporting units within the sector and with government agencies as required

Prepare briefing papers, correspondence, submissions, reports and other documents relevant to the Unit's functions and activities.

Promote engagement with business intelligence in the organisation by facilitating the integration, storage, analysis, sharing and reporting of information within the University's Management Information System to support strategic decision making.

Implement a process of continuous improvement in relation to data governance and data quality in the development and benchmarking of appropriate performance indicators.

Undertake other duties as directed and as appropriate for this level.

Organisational Knowledge

Maintain an up to date understanding of the practices and policies relating to performance measures within the higher education sector, Department of Education and other government bodies and their relationship to data collection and reporting requirements.

Maintain detailed knowledge of the work area processes and an understanding of how they interact with other related areas and processes and of the University's structure and function.

Apply substantial technical knowledge and experience to a range of issues and circumstances requiring considerable interpretation.

Understand the concept of continuous quality improvement and the principles of sound data governance.

Be familiar with, and observe the University's policy and procedures on Equity and Diversity and Workplace Health and Safety in the performance of the responsibilities of the position, and (where applicable) in the management of others.

Judgement, Independence and Problem Solving

Be able to independently apply expert knowledge to design and conduct high level analysis of complex datasets to evaluate the impact of HEPPP projects and enhance strategic planning across the University by providing recommendations to senior staff.

Apply theoretical knowledge to develop reports to monitor trends and to identify significant variations in outcomes and performance.

Exercise judgement on work methods and task sequence within specified timelines and standard practices and procedures.

Selection Criteria

Please note: In accordance with the University's Staff Selection Guidelines, your application will be assessed based on the following selection criteria. It is essential that you address each criterion to enable the selection committee to properly assess your application and suitability for interview.

A degree with at least 4 years subsequent relevant experience; a related degree with a statistics component and extensive relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training

Demonstrated proficiency with one or more software packages such as SAS (BASE, Enterprise Guide or Enterprise Miner), Stata or SPSS

Experience in data manipulation and statistical analysis of large, complex datasets

Sound analytical and problem solving skills

Demonstrated writing skills, including experience in the preparation of strategic and executive briefing papers and reports, committee papers and an ability to prepare reports for different audiences

Experience in engaging with stakeholders and developing constructive partnerships across organisational boundaries

Excellent organisational skills and the ability to meet competing deadlines

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to continuous improvement

Demonstrated ability to strengthen and integrate Equity and Diversity, WHS and Performance Management principles in the management of staff and capacity to implement relevant plans and policies

It is desirable that the applicant possess the following:

Experience in SQL and Excel is desirable.

Familiarity with the Higher Education Sector is desirable.

Conditions and Benefits

HEW Level 7 - $74,885 to $84,245 per annum. Salary level within this range will be dependent on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. The basic contribution for superannuation will be made by the University into Unisuper Accumulation 1. Contributory superannuation with additional employer contributions is not available with this appointment.

A range of flexible salary packaging options is also available.

Further Information

For additional information on the position contact Rob Aitken, Associate Director, Strategy Planning and Performance on telephone 02 49215652 or email Rob.Aitken@newcastle.edu.au.

Closing Date

Applications close on Thursday 3 April 2014.

Note: Your application must include a statement addressing the selection criteria.

Your application must include an email and/or fax address for each nominated referee.

Submitting Your Application

DO NOT send your application to the Faculty or Division in which the position is located.

Internal Applicants

Log into HRonline

Click on University Job Vacancies

Click Apply for a Vacancy and select the position you wish to apply for

External Applicants

Visit the University Job Vacancies Website

Click on the highlighted position name

Click on the `apply now' link

Complete online application attaching your statement addressing the selection criteria and Resume/CV in a single document (PDF preferred)

Click on the `submit application' link

If you do not have access to the internet, please telephone (+61 2) 4921 5266 during business hours (AEST) or email employment@newcastle.edu.au to discuss alternative methods of applying.

The University of Newcastle values equity and diversity.